Collapsible awning canopy



July 31, 1962 E. J. TRINCHERO COLLAPSIBLE AWNING CANOPY Filed July 27, 1959 Fig/ 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 E neas J Tn'nc/zera INVENTOR.

Anoruqs July 31, 1962 E. J. TRINCHERO 3,047,059

COLLAPSIBLE AWNING CANOPY Filed July 27, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 4 Eneas J TrI'nchem NVENTOR.

BY a062 July 31, 1962 E. J. TRINCHERO 3,047,059

COLLAPSIBLE AWNING CANOPY Filed July 27, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 E neas J Trinchero 1N VEN TOR.

BY WWW 19m y 1962 E. .1. TRINCHERO 3,047,059

CoLLAPsIBLE: AWNING CANOPY Filed July 27, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Fig.

204 Fig /5 /94 Pi 57/ r 202 I96 AI 200 Illa w z Eneas J Tr/nchero V,// IN VEN TOR.

3,@47,59 Fateznted July 31, 1962 3,047,059 C(DLLAPSEBLE AWNING CANGEPY Eneas J. Trinehero, 619 Vassar St., Reno, Nev. Filed July 27, 195?, Ser. No. 829,877 3 Claims. (Cl. 160-432) This invention comprises a novel and useful collapsible awning canopy and more particularly relates to a collapsible covering or housing structure including a plurality of nested pivotally connected panel sections.

The primary purpose of this invention is to provide a collapsible hood or covering generally applicable for providing a housing or a covering and which shall consist of a plurality of pivotally connected and nested sections.

A further object of the invention is to provide a construction in accordance with the foregoing object which shall include means limiting relative pivotal movement of the section with respect to each other; will resiliently bias the sections to prevent rattling and take-up undue slack therebetween; will both guide and limit the sections in their pivoting movement.

' A further and more specific object of the invention is to provide a device in accordance with the foregoing objects which shall be specifically applicable for use as a collapsible awning canopy or like structure.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a collapsible panel construction adapted for a variety of uses such as an awning, canopy, tent or shelter and consisting of a plurality of panels or sheets pivotally connected and movable between a nested, collapsed or stored position and an expanded operative position; and which may as desired be constructed to obtain ventilation between the sections or may be completely weather-tight.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the principles of this invention, the device as illustrated comprising an awning canopy for a window of a building and being shown in its lowered or operative position;

FIGURE 2 is a view in front elevation of the device of FIGURE 1 but shown in its raised position;

FIGURE 3 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken upon an enlarged scale substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 33 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a view in vertical longitudinal section taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 4-4 of FIGURE 3, parts being broken away and omitted;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of one of the panel sections forming a part of the awning roof;

FIGURE 6 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the guide and connecting means by which the panels are connected to each other for relative sliding or pivoting movement;

FIGURE 7 is a View of one of the springs by which the panel sections are resiliently interconnected;

FIGURE 8 is a view of the actuating means by which the awning is raised or lowered;

FIGURE 9 is a detail view of a modified construction in accordance with the invention;

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of a modified side leg construction forming a part of the pivotal leaf of the device;

FIGURE ll is a detail perspective view of a modification of the. arrangement of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 12 is a detail in vertical section of a modified spring construction;

FiGURE 13 is an elevational view of the spring of FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 14 is a view in vertical section of a modi fied construction of the panel 34; and

FZGURE '15 is a detail view in section of a further modification of the arrangement of FIGURE 6.

At the outset, it is desired to note that the accompanying drawings merely disclose by way of illustration one suitable manner in which the principles of this invention may be successfully applied. However, it should be understood that although the drawings illustrate an awning canopy, the invention is generally applicable in many of its aspects to closures, hoods or canopies consisting of a plurality of pivotally connected sections disposed in a nested relation which may be opened or closed as desired.

Referring specifically to the accompanying drawings, it will be observed that the collapsible awning canopy disclosed therein is designated generally by the numeral 10 and is shown as applied to the wall of a building 12 for covering or shielding a window construction or other opening 14 therein.

A U-shaped frame designated generally by the numeral 16 and consisting of a pair of vertical legs 18 together with a mid-portion or top plate 20* is secured about the window opening 14 and against the building surface 12, being mounted thereon in any desired manner. The legs 18 embrace and receive therebetween the sides of the awning, while the top member 28 serves as a top shield or storm cap for the upper portion of the collapsible awning. The assembly 16 therefore constitutes a stationary housing into which the awning may be compactly collapsed for storage in the lifted or inoperative position of the awning, as will be best apparent from FIGURE 2 and in connection with FIGURE 3.

Comparing now FIGURES l, 2 and 3 it will be observed that the awning Iii includes a plurality of U-shaped leaves or sections, each designated generally by the numeral 3% Each of these leaves or sections consists of an elongated triangular leg portion 32 at each side thereof which is preferably of an inexpensive lightweight material, such as sheet metal, a suitable plastic or the like, together with a plate-like member 34 securely connected to the ends of the leg members 32. Of the two, the leg 32 should be of sturdier construction since intermediate braces can readily be applied to the plate 34. Conventional angle members 36 may be employed to fixedly secure the legs 32 to the panels 34- and thus form a rigid U-shaped section. Preferably the members 36 are of malleable material so that it may be readily bent to any desired contour. Referring now especially to FIGURE 5 it will be observed that each of the panels 34- of the sections is slightly arcuate in cross-section in order to provide a curving contour to the canopy formed by the plurality of sections. The opposite edges of the panels 34 are provided with inturned flanges as at 38 and which lie upon opposite sides of the panel.

Referring now to FIGURES 3 and 4 it will be observed that the lower or inward ends of the legs 32 are pivotally connected upon. a common pivot pin 42 whereby the U-shaped sections may be pivoted vertically between the lowered position shown in FIGURES l and 3 and their raised position shown in FIGURE 2.

As just mentioned, the pivotal ends of the legs 32 are carried by a common pivot pin 42, at each side of the awning. Thus, as shown in FIGURE 4, the pivot pin 42 has a bearing sleeve 44 thereon upon which the apertured ends of the legs are pivotally mounted, there being provided suitable spacer disks as at 46 therebetween to position the legs in properly spaced relation to each other. Further, resilient washers or plates 48 may likewise be disposed between the legs to apply resilient force to the sides of the same and thereby prevent the possibility of rattling occurring especially if the awning is subjected to the effects of Wind and the like. The pin 42 is carried by suitable mounting bracket as at 50 which may alternatively form a part of the leg members 13 of the housing structure 16 or may be separably carried by and mounted upon the vertical supporting surface 12.

e In addition to the resilient means 48, there is provided a plurality of V-shaped springs 52, see FIGURES 3 and 7, by which the adjacent legs 32. of adjacent sections are resiliently engaged. As will be apparent, each spring consists of a single wire of suitable resilient character having a loop 54 at one end thereof with a pair of outwardly divergent and curving legs 56, whose outer extremities have fastening hooks 58. As shown in FIGURE 3, and as also indicated in FIGURE 4, the inside surface of each of the legs 32 has a fastener 69 secured thereto to which the hooks 58 of the springs 52 are connected. The resiliency of the springs is such that they tend to urge the sections of the awning into their lowered or operative position and equally spread at intermediate positions, and also serve to bias the legs of the section against each other to thereby minimize or prevent rattling of the awning.

Referring now especially to FIGURE 4 it will be observed that the angle members 36 which join the legs 32 with the panels 34 of each section consist of L-shaped bodies having slots at the divergent ends thereof for re-- ceiving the edges of the panels 34- and of the legs 32 therein. Any suitable means may be provided for securing and retaining the panels and legs in these corner strips 36, as for example by welding, bolt, by the use of rivets 62 as suggested in FIGURE 1 or the like. It is essential,

' however, that for the purpose of this invention the legs 32 and the panels 34 are rigidly connected to each other to form and to function as a single U-shaped section.

The sections 30 are nested with respect to each other in order that they may fold or collapse within themselves as shown best in FIGURE 2. The previously mentioned springs 52 either alone or together with the weight of the sections 30 tend to move the same into their lowered or operative position shown :in FIGURES 1 and 3. In order to return the sections into their raised or inoperative position, there is provided an actuating mechanism. Conven iently, as shown in FIGURE 3, this may consist of a cable or non-stretchable tension means 64 having one end secured as to a lug 66 onthe lowermost section 30, and extending through screw eyes 68 on each of the sections thereabove, and being wound upon and secured to a horizontally extending actuating shaft 70. Conveniently, the shaft 74) may be mounted in suitable journal bearings 72 preferably secured to the supporting surface 12 upon which the awning is mounted. The shaft 7 in the arrangement shown extends across the upper portion of the window 14, and is provided with a gear 74 fixedly secured thereto and which is engaged by a worm 76 having-a handle 78. The worm is carried by suitable supporting bracket as at 89 so that upon manual operation of the worm, the shaft 70 may be in turn rotated to lift the awning into its collapsed position or to permit the awning to be lowered under influence of gravity and/ or the previously mentioned springs -2.

As shown in FIGURE 8, there are preferably provided two cables 64 which may be mounted upon winches or drums 82 at the opposite ends of the shaft 7t However, it will be understood that in accordance with the width of the awning sections, that any desired number or cables and drums may be secured to the shaft 70 and to the awning sections.

In some instancestheshaft 70 and/ or its gearing '74, 76,.

78 can be omitted and pull cords alone, with suitable guide pulleys and locks can be utilized to raise or lower the awning.

Referring now to FIGURE 3 it will be observed that thetop member of the awning housing assembly 16 has a sealed engagement with the supporting surface 12 a downturned flange 92 which terminates in Vertically spaced relation above the uppermost panel 34 of the d 7 upon which the awning is to be mounted. For this purpose, the top member 20 has a downwardly turned flange 84 providedwith a semi-cylindrical channel or bead 86 therein for caulking purposes whereby a mastic, not f shown, may be received between the surface 12 and the flashing. The bead 36 is adapted to engage upon a corre- I sponding and complementary channel or bead'SS carried by a mounting plate 99 which is directly secured in any suitable manner to the vertical surface 12. The junction of the flange 8 with the panel 24? also abuts against this building shown in FIGURE 3 thereby providing a tight seal therebetween.

At its downward and lower edge the top member 20 has awning. It will be observed that the awning panels 34 are disposed in overlapping relation so that the downturned curved lower flange 40 of each panel will overlap the upturned flange 38 of the next adjacent lower panel. This arrangement facilitates the shedding 'of water downwardly upon the outside surface of the awning and prevents the passage of water up under the structure of the awning while it permits the passage of light and air and when this structure is fully expanded, it is rendered water tight by the engagement of the flanges 38 and 40 and 133 and 14%.

Reference is now made especially to FIGURE 6 in conjunction with FIGURE 3. Disclosed is a collapsible sliding brace assembly which is secured to the underside of the awning panels, intermediate the ends thereof, in order to stiffen and rigidify the construction and brace and rein This brace assembly consists of-a pluforce the same. rality of cooperating elements secured to and carried by the underside of the awning panels.

nected sections, there being provided any desired number of such sections for each of the panels 34-. Each of the telescoping sections consists of an arcuate rigid track 100 having lateral flanges 102 projecting from its opposite sides and being provided with a laterally outturned bracket,

194 at one end and with an integral enlarged body member 1% at its other end. The member 106 has a pair of upstanding legs or side walls 108 between which are" of one of the panels 34 with the body portion 106 projecting beyond one end thereof as will be apparent from FIGURE 3. The flanges 1492, of the member 100 are I slidably received between the channel members 110 in the body 1% of the adjacent member, whereby the series of elements 19%) are slidably connected to each other;

The body 166 of the uppermost element is anchored in" any suitable manner .-against the supporting surface or against the plate 99, while fasteners such as the screws 116 secure a corner strip 113 to the downturned flange 40 of the lowermost panel 34 and to the flange 104 of the lowermost strip 1%.

In a similar manner, fasteners 120 secure the flanges 104 at the end of each member 100 to adjacent inturned flange 419 of the section panel 34-. These screws also constitute stop means which serve as abutments for engaging the ends of the channel members 110 of the adjacent section of the arcuate brace members. In order to render the construction silent in operation, the member 110 could be of a soft material; or a sound-deadening material such as brake lining or a lubricant material could be provided be-- tween the engaging surfaces 110 and 102. v

FIGURE 9 discloses a slightly modified construction in which the top member 2%} of the housing assembly of the The intermediate. brace members are made of a plurality of slidably con device overlies an upper panel section 134, corresponding to the section 34. However, in this instance, the uppermost slide section 136 corresponding to the section 100, is secured at its upper end to an angle iron member 138 and a bracket 140 by means of a fastening bolt 142. This serves to securely clamp the uppermost panel 134 and the upper section of the sliding brace in a weather tight manner beneath the top member 26.

However, although the sheet metal construction is of light weight, and has ventilation provided therethrough, rattling of the parts is eliminated by the springs 52 or the previously mentioned members 48; while the requisite strength is imparted through the device by means of the longitudinally extensible brace means just described.

Reference is now made to FIGURE which shows a modified leg construction of the U-shaped leaf of the awning which may be preferred for some purposes. Each of the side legs which are substituted for the previously described legs 32 have an inturned flange 152 along a forward edge thereof and a further flange 154 of rubber or other soft material is riveted or otherwise secured diagonally along an outside face of the leg. When the awning is extended the flange 152 of the one leaf will engage the flange or sealing rib 154 of an adjacent leg to effect a rattle proof, resilient and weather-tight engagement therewith.

Shown in FIGURE 11 is a modified form 16 of the previously described member 196. In the interest of compactness and a more complete collapsibility, the lower stop portion of the member 196 is omitted so that the members 1113 or 194 of FIGURE 15 can freely slide therethrough. Adjustment apertures 162 similar to the apertures 108 are provided.

FIGURES 12, 13 show a modification wherein a plurality of springs replace the two sets of springs 48 and 52 previously mentioned. Thus the wire coil springs 164 have a central coil 166 surrounding the common pivot pin 42 and sleeve 44 with divergent legs 168 each with an outturned extremity 1'70 engageable in suitable eyelets not shown in the legs 32 or 1511. The springs 164 thus perform the function of, but replaces the two sets of springs 48, 52.

In FIGURE 14 is shown a modified weather-tight construction of the panel 34. Thus the panel is shown in cross section by the numeral 189, having an inwardly downturned flange 182 at its lower edge and an outwardly upturned flange 184 at its upper edge. The latter flange terminates in an inverted channel member 186 which overlies the top surface of the panel and receives a rubber or other resilient sealing strip 188 which projects downwardly therebeneath to form a resilient seal and stop of the flange 182 of the adjacent panel 180.

FIGURE 15 shows another modified construction of the members 196, 108, 110, 112. In this form there is provided the member 190 corresponding to the channel member 1516 and having the series of adjusting apertures 192 similar in function to the apertures in 103. An arouate element 194 apertured at 196 corresponding tollt}, 112 are likewise provided. The element 194 is square in crosssection except for an arcuate V-shaped groove 198 on its inner face into which the apertures 196 open so that the beads 290 of fasteners or bolts 202 may be recessed in the groove with the bolts extending through the adjusting apertures 192 and 196. The elements 194 are wrapped in sheets of rubber or other suitable material 204 to prevent squeaking during the sliding of member 194 in the inverted track of the member 109.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A collapsible hood or canopy comprising a plurality of U-shaped sections disposed in nested relation, pivot means for the free ends of said sections, actuating means connected to each of said sections for controlling the raising and lowering of said sections about said pivot means, a longitudinaily extensible brace secured to the underside of each of said sections intermediate the ends thereof, said brace comprising a plurmity of tracks with one track being secured to each section, a body secured to each track at one end thereof, a pair of opposed channel members carried by each body and disposed above and projecting outwardly beyond the associated track, the track of one section being slidably retained in the pair of channel members of an adjacent section, said body having spaced upstanding side walls, said opposed channel members being supported by and secured each to one of said side walls.

2. A collapsible hood or canopy comprising a plurality of U-shaped sections disposed in nested relation, pivot means for the free ends of said sections, actuating means connected to each of said sections for controlling the raising and lowering of said sections about said pivot means, a

longitudinally extensible brace secured to the underside of each of said sections intermediate the ends thereof, said brace comprising a plurality of tracks with one track being secured to each section, a body secured to each track at one end thereof, a pair of opposed channel members carried by each body and disposed above and projecting outwardly beyond the associated track, the track of one section being slidably retained in the pair of channel members of an adjacent section, said body having spaced upstanding side walls, said opposed channel members being supported by and secured each to one of said side walls, said channel members being disposed between said side walls.

3. A collapsible hood or canopy comprising a plurality of U-shaped sections disposed in nested relation, pivot means for the free ends of said sections, actuating means connected to each of said sections for controlling the raising and lowering of said sections about said pivot means, a longitudinally extensible brace secured to the underside of each of said sections intermediate the ends thereof, said brace comprising a plurality of tracks with one track being secured to each section, a body secured to each track at one end thereof, a pair of opposed channel members carried by each body and disposed above and projecting outwardly beyond the associated track, the track of one section being slidably retained in the pair of channel members of an adjacent section, said body having spaced upstanding side walls, said opposed channel members being supported by and secured each to one of said side walls, said channel members being disposed between said side walls, said channel members being mounted upon said side walls for longitudinal adjustment relative thereto.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 358,956 Bataille Mar. 8, 1887 1,839,052 Richardson Dec. 29, 1931 1,997,434 Santiago Apr. 9, 1935 2,511,364 Mofi' June 13, 1950 2,531,797 Wellman Nov. 28, 1950 2,538,286 Todd Jan. 16, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS 492,411 Great Britain Sept. 20, 1938 

